Business Briefs - Week of 11/28

DAVIDSON – Jane Cacchione has joined the staff of the Ada Jenkins Center as the new director of fund development.

With nearly two decades serving nonprofits, including Susan G. Komen for the Cure as development and race director, as well as the Lake Norman and Dowd YMCAs, she brings a wealth of experience to the center.

While serving the Charlotte Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Cacchione partnered with key volunteers and the Carolina Panthers to create a top fundraising team for their signature event, the Race for the Cure.

The Ada Jenkins Center helps citizens in Davidson, Cornelius, Huntersville and southern Iredell County become healthier, better educated and economically self-sufficient. Last year, the nonprofit provided services to more than 19,000 clients.

As of Jan. 1, Bindu Yoga and Wellness will move three minutes from its current location to 20100 Zion Ave, coinciding with a change in ownership.

Current owner Kelley Gardner will pass the reins to teacher Sally Phillips, a marketing executive.

“Sally’s skill set will infuse the Bindu with fresh ideas and exciting new energy,” Gardner said.

Gardner will continue teaching classes, as well as manage the Rasika Yoga Teacher Training School.

Wellness practitioners Marty Kestin, Jessica Bowles and Jessie Mullen will also move nearby. Patients can still contact them through the Bindu website. Community Acupuncture with Abe Rummage will continue in the new location.

The new location will begin offering an expanded schedule of classes Jan. 2.

DAVIDSON – Henderson Properties invites homeowners association customers, rental home tenants and the public to help the company reach its goal of collecting 1,400 pounds of goods for the Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina to help end hunger in the Carolinas.

Henderson Properties has hosted collections for four years. In the past two years, the firm collected 2,300 pounds of goods from clients and tenants.

“Each year, we hope that people will open their hearts and pantries to participate in our food drive for Second Harvest,” said Phil Henderson, president of Henderson Properties. “We are always humbled by the support we receive in our communities, so we want to give back.”

CORNELIUS – Aquesta Bank announced recently that shareholders will receive a first-ever cash dividend. Shareholders of record as of Nov. 29 will receive 10 cents per share on Dec. 13.

“Combined with this cash dividend, it is clear that our board recognizes the importance of rewarding our shareholders for their patience and support during the economic downturn,” said Jim Engel, CEO and president. “We hope this is simply a sample of what will be achieved in coming years.”

The U.S. Marine Corps has distributed at least 469 million toys to more than 216 million less fortunate children since starting the Toys for Tots Foundation in 1995.

Chuck Roads to monitor Black Friday traffic at Concord Mills

CHARLOTTE – Chuck Roads, a well-known radio and TV traffic reporter, will help out shoppers by phone on Black Friday and over the weekend, reporting real-time information I-85’s Exit 49, home to Concord Mills.

“Every day, we see five miles of backups or more in that area, and Black Friday traffic around Exit 49 could easily double that number,” said Roads, whose Chuck Roads Traffic service is the only non-TV outlet in Charlotte with access to N.C. Department of Transportation traffic cameras.

Roads will also advise on parking lot conditions and available spaces.